Kenya captivates with its iconic wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. From the Great Migration in Maasai Mara to the bustling streets of Nairobi, this East African gem offers unforgettable adventures. Discover diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped Mount Kenya to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Public
- Matatus (shared minibuses) and city buses cover Nairobi extensively from KES 30-100/ride but are crowded and not tourist-friendly. SGR train to Mombasa is excellent. Bolt and Uber recommended for tourists.
- Taxi
- Bolt and Uber dominate Nairobi with reliable metered pricing and driver tracking. Little Cab is a locally developed alternative. Traditional taxis exist but meters are rarely used — always agree price before boarding.
- Rental
- Car rental ideal for Rift Valley day trips and self-drive coast holidays. International companies (Avis, Hertz, Budget) and local operators available. 4WD strongly recommended for game parks and rural roads.
- Walking
- Karen, Westlands, Kilimani, and coastal resort areas are walkable. Nairobi CBD requires awareness of bag-snatching risk. Always ask locals about current safety before walking unfamiliar areas.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi to CBD: $20-30 (30-60 minutes depending on traffic)
- Shuttle
- Uber/Bolt: $12-20 (book via app, most reliable)
- Bus
- Airport shuttle services: $15-25 per person
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
City buses available on major routes ($0.50-1), safer than matatus but still crowded. Companies like City Hoppa, Citi Shuttle, Double M operate scheduled services.
Alternatives
metro, matatus, taxi, rideshare, boda_boda, tuk_tuks
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Traditional taxis: Base fare $3-5, approximately $0.80-1.50 per km. Negotiate price before starting journey. Meters rarely used.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Extensive network covering entire country. Modern Express ($15-25 Nairobi-Mombasa), Tahmeed, Greenline offer comfortable coaches with WiFi and AC. Book via BuuPass app. Travel overnight for longer routes.
Flights
Kenya Airways, Jambojet, SafariLink, and Fly540 connect major cities and safari destinations. Nairobi-Mombasa $60-150, Nairobi-Maasai Mara $200-350. Wilson Airport hub for safari flights.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
From centre: 15 km southeast of Nairobi CBD
Options: Taxi to CBD: $20-30 (30-60 minutes depending on traffic); Uber/Bolt: $12-20 (book via app, most reliable); Airport shuttle services: $15-25 per person; Bus #34 to city center: $1 (slow, crowded); Hotel shuttles: Complimentary or $10-20 depending on hotel
Wilson Airport
From centre: 6 km south of Nairobi CBD
Options: Taxi to CBD: $8-15 (15-20 minutes); Uber/Bolt: $5-10; Used primarily for domestic flights and safari charters
Moi International Airport
From centre: 10 km west of Mombasa city
Options: Taxi to city: $15-25 (20-30 minutes); Taxi to Diani Beach: $50-70 (1.5 hours); Uber/Bolt available but limited; Hotel shuttles to coastal resorts: $30-50 per person
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Bolt
Most widely used ride-hailing app in Kenya — more drivers than Uber, slightly cheaper, very reliable in Nairobi and Mombasa
Uber
Reliable international app with good coverage in Nairobi and Mombasa. Also offers Uber Moto (motorcycle) and Uber Boda.
Little Cab
Kenyan-developed ride-hailing app as an alternative to international platforms. Good driver network in Nairobi.
BuuPass
Book intercity buses online including Modern Coast, Tahmeed, and Greenline to Mombasa and other destinations. Very useful for planning in advance.
M-Pesa (Safaricom)
Mobile money app essential for paying matatus, small shops, and rural transport. Load KES before departure for easy cash-free payments.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Bolt and Uber apps before arriving — they're the safest and most transparent transport option in Nairobi and Mombasa
Book the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa in advance via madarakaexpress.co.ke — 2nd class ($8) or 1st class ($20) for the 5-hour journey
For game parks, either join an organized safari or rent a 4WD vehicle — standard cars get stuck on park tracks
Mombasa to Diani Beach requires the Likoni Ferry crossing ($0.20 for pedestrians, $3 for vehicles) which can have queues during rush hour
Boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) are fastest in traffic but have high accident rates — only use SafeBoda or Uber Moto with helmets provided
Little Cab app is a Kenyan-developed ride-hailing alternative that supports local entrepreneurs